"Find The Light" (Short Film)

On this 'Good Friday' I thought to share one of the recent films I produced entitled "Find The Light."

Backstory:

In the kick-off, creative session with Calvary Worship Center, the team's key objective was to create a visual that wasn't cliche but felt authentic and real. Their challenge was simply 'How' do we create a visual that truly engages the viewer and connects on a deeper level.

Script Development:

In the beginning stages of this film, we really focused on how to build the story arc where the viewer would be inclined to watch in its entirety. Sometimes in the script development process, one of the hardest parts is developing your opening lines so you don't lose your audience.

The past can haunt us. Trapping us with no escape. Enslaved by a ghost of distant memories...

From a linear perspective, I wanted to open up the scene revealing DARKNESS from the vantage point that every human has a past that could haunt them or in some cases make you feel like your in bondage.

Sometimes having a single point of entry into the heart of the viewer will open them up to be more receptive to listening to what you have to say. I believe the opening lines set up the overall progression of the narrative.

Building The Story Arc

Once the script was finalized I started to build out the outline which would determine the overall pacing of the edit. I knew there were pivotal pillars that would hold this story together.

• Location
• People in their element
• Symbolic Imagery
• Music Choice

Location

Location is so key to having the ability for your frames to shine in your edit. The mood and tone of the locations we were working with really helped amplify the emotion of each scene.

People

Each key component of the narrative was driven by the people involved in each scene. I'm insanely grateful for the talent that all played a part in this film - either in front of the scenes or behind the scenes. Without their contribution, this visual wouldn't have manifested the way it did.

Symbolic Images

All of the macro shots were filmed from my iPhoneX with a @sandmarc lens. With good intentional lighting, I even surprised myself of what a cell phone could do in terms of capturing the frames needed for the edit. The macro shots were instrumental in dictating the overall pacing of the edit in the first 1/2 of the movie. Shout out to Sandmarc because their adaptable macro lens was key to making the close-up shots happen.

The Power Of Music

We all know music is instrumental in pulling the heartstrings when watching a film. I remember searching through @art-list and coming across Oliver Michael's track "Diatribe." I instantly fell and love and reached out to him to see how we could rearrange the progression of grooves and beds to fit around this film. Sonically his arrangement of the music really helped drive the narrative.

Maximizing The Moment

In summary, I'm beyond humbled to be a part of the creative process for this film and thankful for Calvary Worship Center for trusting me with their vision.

Once again I'm reminded that if your given 2 fish and 5 loaves - in the hands of God it can feed thousands. This project is a testament to his faithfulness regarding how this cinematic visual came together. Happy Good Friday!